Cardiac muscle cells, or cardiomyocytes, are unique in several ways:
They are branched and interconnected, forming a network that allows for synchronized contraction. They contain a single central nucleus, although some cells may have two nuclei. The cells are connected by intercalated discs, which contain gap junctions and desmosomes. These structures facilitate electrical and mechanical coupling between cells. Cardiomyocytes have an abundance of mitochondria to meet their high energy demands.
